Adult Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the lives of adults suffering from the condition. It can help people recognize the reasons they face difficulties at work, with their families and in their relationships.

It is often difficult to determine the cause since symptoms tend to overlap. A mental health healthcare professional or health professional will examine the individual and conduct tests.

Symptoms

It is possible that someone doesn't realize they have ADHD until adulthood. It could be because parents and teachers did not recognize the signs at an earlier age or because college or work demands caused the disorder to be revealed. Adults with ADHD who are not treated suffer in their academic, social and professional lives. Many people who are not diagnosed with ADHD experience a variety of issues, including financial issues and relationship issues.

A mental health professional will conduct an interview and review the patient's medical, psychiatric and personal history, paying special attention to the symptoms in various settings. The patient will discuss the symptoms and how they impact their daily functioning and their relationships. It is important that the patient be honest about these symptoms and that he or she do not shy away due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

The mental health professional should be able to determine if the symptoms are linked to other comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety that often coexist with ADHD. These conditions typically make the symptoms of ADHD worse, and they can also hinder the effective treatment of the disorder.

If the psychiatrist or psychology thinks that the symptoms are affected by comorbid conditions, such as learning disabilities, psychosomatic disorders, or neuropsychological disorders, further testing could be performed to determine an accurate diagnosis. These tests can also help determine the level of functional impairment caused by these conditions. Additionally, the mental health professional may request an interview with one or more significant people such as spouses, siblings and coworkers, in order to gather an entire picture of the person's functioning and difficulties.

Diagnosis

For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is usually determined by a mental health specialist or doctor who conducts a thorough diagnostic evaluation. This includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. It also includes the presence of any other mental disorders that can co-occur alongside ADHD, such mood disorders and anxiety. Additionally, the doctor might ask for the assistance of significant others -- typically a spouse or close friend--to help gather more information regarding the person's behavior.

Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a life-changing experience. For many adults, this diagnosis finally provides an explanation for what always seemed to be "normal" behaviors. It is often a relief to know that they're not just lazy or forgetful and their issues are more complex.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition (DSM-5) requires that adults meet specific criteria for symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. This standard is designed to ensure that individuals receive the assistance and treatment they need. To be eligible for an ADHD diagnoses they must exhibit symptoms for at least a year and have caused significant impairment in a variety of settings including school, home or at work, with friends or family or other activities. For adults who are 17 or older the number of needed symptoms has been reduced to five, from the six that are required for children who are younger than 12.

A positive relationship with your primary healthcare provider can help you determine ADHD. Many doctors routinely diagnose and treat ADHD in children, and can refer you to a mental health professional who is able to perform an assessment of adults.

Treatment

When those with ADHD get a diagnosis their lives may change dramatically. They will finally have solutions to their problems at school, and also in starting a new career, or in relationships. A diagnosis can relieve shame that has accumulated for certain people throughout their lives.

Talking to a mental health healthcare professional or health care professional is the first step in getting an diagnosis. They can ask questions about family history and do a physical examination to rule out any condition that could cause symptoms that resemble ADHD like sleeping disorders, learning disabilities or alcohol/drug use. They can also ask the person to complete a list of symptoms.

During the assessment process, the doctor may request to speak with a spouse or partner. This will help the spouse who is not an ADHD or partner develop a clear understanding and empathetic attitude toward their loved one's ADHD symptoms which is crucial in enhancing relationships following a diagnosis. If this isn't an option the doctor may conduct an interview with colleagues or friends who know the person.

Medications are the main treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall(r)) are the most effective and commonly used medications to treat adult ADHD. Other medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera(r),) and Guanfacine (Intuniv (r), Tenex (r)), increase the amount of norepinephrine that is produced in the brain. These medications can help improve ADHD symptoms.

Psychotherapy is also an alternative. Cognitive-behavioral therapies can assist patients develop the skills needed to manage their ADHD symptoms. These include time management, organizational strategies, self regulation of behavior and emotions, and coping techniques for self-doubt and negative criticism. Other therapies, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, help adults identify automatic or irrational thoughts that cause negative behavior and learn ways to replace them with positive self-talk.

Medication

Many people report that ADHD medication can help improve their symptoms. The medication is usually in the form a stimulant, and it is effective by increasing the activity of the brain in areas that control behavior and attention. Methylphenidate is the most popular medicine prescribed to adults with ADHD is available in many forms. It is available in immediate-release tablets, or modified-release tablet forms that release the medication throughout the day. Clonidine is a different kind of medication that works by decreasing brain activity. It is available in pill or liquid form.

The therapist or psychiatrist will review the medical and family background of the adult patient to identify factors that may cause similar symptoms. This is necessary because some medical conditions such as seizure disorders and thyroid problems can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, certain supplements and medications can also cause similar symptoms.

During the evaluation the individual will likely to talk about their ADHD symptoms. They will be asked for standard ADHD ratings and checklists of symptoms as and psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities like making decisions how can i get diagnosed with add and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning abilities.

If a psychiatrist or therapist believes that the symptoms of ADHD are seriously impairing a person's life, they will recommend treatment with medication. In certain instances the therapist might ask the spouse or partner of the patient to interview them about the impact of their condition on the relationship. This will help decrease blame between individuals and result in more positive, healthier relationships.

Counseling

Many adults with ADHD find relief in receiving the diagnosis. It allows them to recognize the reason for their problems at school or work and to discover ways to overcome these issues. It's also a chance for them to change negative behaviors and increase self-esteem.

Counseling is a great way to help you create a strong support system. Counseling for ADHD could include psychotherapy (or psychological therapy) and a variety behavior-based interventions. A therapist might make a chart to reward positive behaviors and imposes punishments on bad ones. Therapists can also teach the patient how to manage symptoms, like relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditative postures in yoga.

Counseling can assist people to accept and understand their ADHD. It's not always easy to admit you have problems with attention or planning and organizing. It can be embarrassing to tell co-workers and supervisors about your ADHD. However, the majority of bosses and teachers will be willing to provide accommodations for your situation. They could, for instance let you write on computers instead of paper or give an explanation of class material.

The therapist will also teach you how to manage ADHD using cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a structured form of talk therapy which helps you transform negative behavior and thoughts into positive ones. Counseling for ADHD may also include marital or family therapy. It teaches family members how to communicate more effectively and solve problems with someone who suffers from ADHD. People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety and may also suffer from substance abuse, which can also cause more symptoms.